2023 Kia Niro EV

First seen in 2018, the Kia Niro EV introduced fully electric motoring to scores of consumers who previously couldn't afford pricier battery-powered alternatives. But to remain popular in a burgeoning marketplace, the Korean carmaker has introduced an all-new model with fresh new looks, improved technology, and a notably upmarket interior.

The newcomer forms part of Kia's global plan to dominate the electric segment and will work with the bigger EV6 and upcoming EV9 to achieve this task. For the 2023 model year, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV rival comes with quicker charging and a targeted travel range of 253 miles. Let's have a look at what makes the battery-powered crossover such a competitive product.

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The Kia Niro EV's release date has been set for summer 2022 in the USA, alongside the hybrid and PHEV derivatives.

Pricing for the new Kia Niro EV SUV is yet to be announced. However, the 2022 model has a starting MSRP of $39,990. We don't expect a big increase in cost as the EV6 retails from $40,900 and we're guessing Kia doesn't want to blur the lines between the two models. Of course, incentives will reduce the Niro EV's price considerably.

The Niro EV's deadliest rivals come in the form of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the Hyundai Kona EV. Both are considerably cheaper, with the former priced from $33,500 and the latter from $34,000. GM's electric crossover can't match the Niro EV on travel range, with the Bolt EUV rated at 247 miles between charging. The Hyundai trounces both, with an EPA-estimated 258-mile travel range.

The current generation 2022 Niro EV is available in both EX and EX Premium trim and we expect the same choices to be applied to the new model.

The Kia Niro EV exterior is striking and introduces a new look for the electric compact SUV. There are distinctive headlights and DRLs on either side of the redesigned tiger-nose grille. Kia has drawn inspiration from the HabaNiro concept. Kia Niro EV colors are yet to be detailed, but several shades (including a pastel green) will be available.

Kia has placed function above form; the remarkable drag coefficient of 0.29 allows it to cut through the air cleanly. EV models receive unique styling touches; Steel Grey or black trim is applied to the body cladding and wheel arches. Round back, appealing LED taillights highlight what is undoubtedly a key styling feature.

Known as the Aero Blade, buyers can choose from contrasting hues or a more demure body-colored finish. The feature aids airflow underneath the Niro EV. While other derivatives can be fitted with optional 18-inch wheels, Kia hasn't detailed the choices made available to the EV, although it has said 16-inch items afford the best range.

For the new generation, Kia hasn't fiddled too much with the Kia Niro EV's dimensions. The new model now measures 174 inches long, while the wheelbase has increased to 107.1 inches. Interestingly, the Korean brand makes no mention of overall width but has said there are 6.3 inches of ground clearance on offer.

We're yet to find out how much the fully electric SUV weighs, but it should be around the same as the outgoing model's 3,854 lbs mass.

The Kia Niro EV's single electric motor provides ample motivation. While performance specs are yet to be announced, Kia has said that the newcomer has 201 horsepower up for grabs, but it's worth noting the previous generation has the same outputs. This is comparable to the Bolt EUV (200 hp) and identical to the Kona EV. While outright performance is not of much importance to the average Niro EV buyer, the outgoing model can blast from 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds.

With a 64.8-kWh battery, Kia is estimating that the Niro can travel 253 miles between charges. This would be an improvement on the previous gen's 239-mile range, although the official EPA rating has yet to be announced. While not groundbreaking, this should be sufficient for consumers looking to commute to and from work.

The Niro EV is capable of charging at 85 kW and, when plugged into a Level 3 fast charger, the SUV can top up its batteries from 10% to 80% in less than 45 minutes. Courtesy of the 11 kW onboard charger, the Niro EV can replenish its energy reserves in under seven hours on a Level 2 charger. For those in colder climates, the optional heat pump and battery warmer will aid in preserving the range. Official MPGe figures are yet to be released.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV interior has become suitably upmarket. It's a notable improvement over the last model, with a far more contemporary look and feel to the cabin. The electric crossover has poached the two-spoke steering wheel from the EV6 and, in keeping with the sustainability theme, eschews traditional materials for more eco-friendly textiles.

For example, the headliner is finished in recycled wallpaper fiber, while the seats in the Niro EV are trimmed in animal-free fabrics. Speaking of the seating, Kia has said they've been specifically designed to enhance occupant space. The available dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster are taking pride in place on the dashboard.

Aside from that, ambient mood lighting is on offer. Less desirable is the Active Sound Design which allows the owner to enhance the sound of the electric motor. A worthwhile option can be found in the Harman/Kardon premium sound system and front seat heating and ventilation.

Despite the compact footprint, there's plenty of cargo space up for grabs. Sited behind the second row, there are 22.8 cubic feet of trunk space in the Kia Niro EV; a decent increase from the 19.4 cu ft found in 2022. Passengers should enjoy generous levels of comfort and space, with Kia noting the Niro EV has more occupant space and cargo room than the larger Tesla Model 3.

The Niro EV is also available with Kia's Highway Driving Assist II, which includes all sorts of driver aids, including Lane Change Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning. Additional safety features that are standard on the Niro EV include Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance and Lane Keeping Assist, making this electric crossover a properly safe family chariot. Lastly, EX and above models are privy to Kia Connect; the clever technology allows owners to access essential features through their smartphones, while over-the-air updates keep the system up to the minute.